The Royals in Canberra

THE GOVERNOR GENERAL Quentin Bryce was quite literally pink with pleasure - decked head to stylish stilletto toe in bubblegum hues - as she hosted Australia’s latest pair of touring Royals, Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, at her home in Canberra, for a barbeque on the lawns of Government House - with a bit of pomp thrown in for good measure.

Political leaders, present and past, Indigenous leaders, business representatives, academics, Olympians, artists and community leaders were served barbecued prawns and lamb cutlets, as the heir to the British throne paid tribute to Australia’s volunteers and a ‘‘marvellous culture’’ of everyday people supporting their own communities.

So many people in Australia play their part so enthusiastically, and with such devotion, within their own communities.

‘‘So many people in Australia play their part so enthusiastically, and with such devotion, within their own communities,’’ he said.

In good spirits ... Prince Charles. Photo: Graham Tidy

‘‘These are the people, of course, who provide the glue to such a diverse and energetic and determined society.

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‘‘From that point of view it has been a real joy for my wife and I to help celebrate that wonderful aspect of society in Australia.

‘‘To pay a tribute, for what it’s worth, to all these marvellous people, and to just thank them for all they do to make Australia such a very special place.’’

Guests at the lunch included Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, as well as former PM John Howard and Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley.

Traditional Australian fare of prawns and lamb sizzled on the barbecue, and champagne, sparkling citrus soda and cold beer kept guests handily watered.

Ms Bryce paid a heartfelt tribute to the Queen who is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee.

Prince Charles said he would pass on the ‘‘kind words’’ to his mother as soon as he returned to the UK - but only if ‘‘I haven’t completely lost my marbles to jet lag’’.

Prince Charles said he had enjoyed his time in Australia.

‘‘My wife and I have been so pleased and proud to be able to join you here, to represent the Queen on this very special occasion, and to have been able to travel around quite a large part of Australia - sadly not as much as we would have liked,’’ he said.

‘‘But it has enabled us to see a lot of people, to talk to a lot of people, and to witness so many of the changes that have happened here... certainly since I was here last.

‘‘We will leave here with great sadness that we can’t spend longer.

‘‘Taking with us such happy, special, amusing memories of all the wonderful people here.’’ Ms Bryce then proudly presented the Prince and his wife with a gift from the Australian people for Queen to mark her diamond jubilee.

The gift, a writing compendium, was handcrafted from the timber of a massive North Queensland Figured Butt Maple tree.

Ms Gillard and Mr Abbott held separate meetings with Prince Charles at Government House before mingling with guests.

Mr Abbott, a staunch monarchist, said it was ‘‘a real thrill’’ to be meeting Prince Charles and the Duchess.

Ms Gillard told the Prince she only lived six minutes away at The Lodge, which allowed her to do some paperwork before arriving at the vice-regal residence.

The royal couple left the luncheon at 3pm to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before they fly this evening to New Zealand.